Panel begins probe to ascertain quality of development works

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 21

The government-appointed probe committee, headed by Maj Gen VK Bhatt (retd), technical adviser to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, today kicked-off a three-day inquiry to ascertain the quality of works done under the development projects in the holy city from April 1, 2016, till now.

However, it failed to impress opposition leaders and opponents of Local Bodies Minister Anil Joshi in his own party.

BJP leader and Improvement Trust Chairman Suresh Mahajan said the inquiry would be appropriate if it was conducted for all projects undertaken in the past five years.

Congress rebel Mandeep Singh Manna, who had publicly levelled allegations of commission and omission against Joshi, said the probe was a mere eyewash.

He said it was an attempt by Joshi to get a clean chit before the formation of the next government. He also questioned the period of the inquiry for the works done in the past only 10 months.

He said: “Why no inquiry initiated in the allegations made by him.”

He said the probe was an attempt to initiate action against those officials who did not bring donations during elections.

Meanwhile, to verify the quality of material used in the development works, a team of chief engineers of various departments, led by the technical adviser, visited the city for on-the-spot checking.

Samples may also be taken, wherever required, for checking at the PWD or any other reputed laboratory. The quality of work of the BRTS, especially on the Batala road, would be checked.

Representatives of the third party engaged to conduct the financial audit, Engineers India Ltd, would also be associated for the quality and quantity audit.

After complaints of malpractices and corruption were filed, the Vigilance wing of the Local Bodies Department has initiated an inquiry in its various departments, including the Municipal Corporation and the Amritsar Improvement Trust.

On the complaint of Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, Vigilance sleuths kicked off investigations in the development works of Ward No. 27. The entire data pertaining to the matter has been sealed for carrying out further investigations. Besides, quality of material used in the development works was also taken for evaluation.

It is learnt that the department also demanded the report of the allotment of a plot from the Executive Officer of the Trust.

It is also investigating the complaint regarding a hotel turning a public footpath into a parking lot in the Ranjit Avenue area.

The Water Supply and Sewerage Department of the MC was on tenterhooks to collect information regarding the status of water bills of 65 councillors in several wards.

The Vigilance wing of the Local Bodies Department initiated action after complaints were filed against unpaid water bills of councillors.

Opponents not impressed 

The three-day inquiry kicked-off by the government-appointed probe committee has failed to impress opposition leaders and opponents of Local Bodies Minister Anil Joshi in his own party. BJP leader and Improvement Trust Chairman Suresh Mahajan said the inquiry would be appropriate if it was conducted for all projects undertaken in the past five years. Congress rebel Mandeep Singh Manna said the probe was a mere eyewash.